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Aloe secundiflora

Scientific Name: Aloe secundiflora

Family: Aloaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Aloe secundiflora

Aloe secundiflora, also known simply as Aloe secundiflora, is a succulent plant species with a wide distribution in eastern Africa.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant has leaves with brown teeth along the margins, which could be a potential irritant if ingested or handled roughly.
  • The leaves are described as sharp and serrated.
  • The text refers to the plant's sap being used medicinally.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant has leaves with brown teeth along the margins, which could be a potential irritant if ingested or handled roughly.
  • The leaves are described as sharp and serrated.
  • The text refers to the plant's sap being used medicinally.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Asphodelaceae (also referenced as ALOECEAE)
  • Synonyms: Aloe floramaculata, Aloe marsabitensis, Aloe engleri, Aloe secundiflora var. sobolifera S.Carter (synonym of Aloe sobolifera (S. Carter) Wabuyele), Aloe sobolifera (S.Carter) Wabuyele.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Aloe secundiflora is native to eastern Africa.
  • It is widespread in Ethiopia (Gamo Gofa and Sidamo regions), Sudan, Kenya, and Tanzania.
  • It grows in open grassland and bushland, and open woodland on rocky soils.
  • It is found at altitudes ranging from 1,350 to 1,550 meters above sea level, and between 750 and 2000m.
  • In Kenya, it is particularly abundant and found in ASAL (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands) areas.
  • It also grows in the wild on Athi plains.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Aloe secundiflora var. sobolifera is a non-trunk-forming aloe that forms clumps.
  • It has lanceolate, dull-green leaves that are 1-2 feet long.
  • The leaves have brown teeth along the margins (3-6 mm long and 10-20 mm apart).
  • The species Aloe secundiflora Engl. (1895) is stemless.
  • Its leaves can be 30-75x15-30 cm, wide, glossy light green.

Traditional Uses

  • Leaves are applied to wounds to assist healing.
  • The leaf sap is consumed as an appetizer and anti-emetic.
  • Diluted leaf sap is drunk as a beverage.
  • Local people around Lake use it.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Extracts of Aloe secundiflora have shown efficacy against Ascaridia galli in vitro (roundworm in chickens).
  • It has ethnoveterinary uses in free-range local chickens against fowl typhoid.
  • Methanolic extracts inhibit in vitro growth of tuberculous and diarrhea-causing bacteria.
  • Crude extracts have shown in-vitro antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
  • It has Antileishmanial activity against Leishmania Major.

Quirky Facts

  • In Kenya, Aloe secundiflora constitutes over 90% of the commercially exploited aloe gum.
  • Previously considered a "waste plant," Aloe secundiflora is now recognized for its potential uses.

Further Information

  • The Plant List
  • IUCN
  • The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
  • IPNI (International Plant Names Index)
  • Australian Plant Name Index
  • NYBG (New York Botanical Garden) Virtual Herbarium
  • Checklist of CITES Species Part 1 CITES species index, CD-ROM (version 2011).
  • ResearchGate